Reel Asian Film Festival Toronto 2026: A Screening Picker

The lights go down on Nov 11, and for eleven days downtown Toronto belongs to the movies.

When is Reel Asian 2026, and where do you go?

The 30th anniversary edition of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival runs in person from Nov 11 to 21, with events across downtown, and online across Canada from Nov 16 to 29. Reel Asian was founded in Toronto in 1997 and works year-round for Asian, Asian diasporic and Asian Canadian filmmakers and artists.

Opening night is BA’S BOOK on Wednesday, Nov 11, at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. The first weekend of screenings lands at TIFF Lightbox, Nov 12 to 15. Innis Town Hall takes over from Nov 17 to 19. Each film page lists its own showtime, so check it before you plan your evening.

Which film should open your festival?

For a big night out: BA’S BOOK follows a filmmaker and her reluctant father to Vietnam, where they meet family and re-enact scenes from his memoir. A Q&A with the director follows the screening right away, and the Opening Night Gala party carries on at the CBC Atrium.

For Toronto on screen: the Centrepiece Gala is SUNBURN on Sunday, Nov 15, in Cinema 2 at TIFF Lightbox. It is set on the hottest day of the year in St. James Town, with popsicles dripping and the power out. Our pick for a Sunday night: go with someone who knows the neighbourhood.

For a family story with food in it: THE BANQUET screens Nov 13 at TIFF Lightbox and turns on a family restaurant and a Chuseok celebration. THE BRYCE LEE STORY, on Nov 14, follows two siblings making home movies at their uncle’s Chinese restaurant on Vancouver Island.

For a short on time: the festival has 35+ short films across seven themed programmes. ALPHABET SOUP (Nov 13) invites you to look past the stadium show and into the cracks of the stage, where there is charm, playfulness and invention.

What are the 30th anniversary screenings?

Two special screenings look back. FILM CLUB, on Nov 14 at TIFF Lightbox, follows an after-school film club whose members were all children of immigrants. STRAWBERRY FIELDS, on Nov 17 at Innis Town Hall, had its Canadian premiere at the very first Toronto Reel Asian festival in 1997.

The Reel Asian Digital Community Archive is live too, for anyone who wants to look at 30 years of the festival through its traces.

What is there for kids and for curious filmmakers?

Wee Asian brings relaxed screenings, crafty activities and fun for all ages. The family day is Nov 21 at Innis Town Hall, and the festival lists it as free on a drop-in basis.

Reel Ideas gathers artist talks, industry panels and more. The sessions run in various venues from Nov 12 to 18 and are listed as free drop-in. The special presentation CUED UP: Music Video Panel & Party is on Friday, Nov 20, at It’s OK* Studios, with free same-day tickets handed out first come, first served at the venue.

How does the festival end?

Closing night is the Pitch! Live Finale on Nov 21 at the Bathurst Street Theatre. It celebrates 20 years of Reel Asian’s pitch competition, with five finalists pitching to a live jury and audience. The festival’s RA: X programme also offers a retrospective of immersive media and playful extended reality work.

How do you get tickets?

Festival tickets are on sale. Browse the film index, click a film title and select Buy Tickets. Some sessions are listed as free, so read each page’s ticket line before you book. For the other winter dates, see our events calendar, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair guide and our winter in Toronto guide. Looking for more no-cost plans? Try our free things to do in Toronto.

A two-night plan, if you only have a weekend

This is our suggestion, not the festival’s. On Saturday, Nov 14, start with FILM CLUB and end with THE BRYCE LEE STORY, both at TIFF Lightbox. On Sunday, Nov 15, see SUNBURN in Cinema 2. Check each film page for showtimes and buy tickets in advance.

Send this to the friend who would stay for the Q&A.